Oh hi! I’m Carley, the Home Technology girl for HGTV.com. I’m mildly obsessed with helping people improve their relationship with technology, and how they live with all the gadgets in their lives. Basically, in the Venn diagram where tech and home meet, that’s where you’ll find me, you know?

I’m new here at Design Happens, and I’m ready to answer any of your questions about tech— fire away!

Carley Knobloch

For my first post, I’d like to talk about an affliction that used to plague the living rooms of yesteryear: Ugly, bulky speakers. Take yourself back a few years, and remember what your family room set-up was like. Do you see a pair of big, black, bulky boxes, hulking near your television and busting up your beautiful decor? Or maybe you’re STILL looking at those boxes today, and thinking, I just. Can’t. Take it. Anymore. And don’t get me started about the miles of cables… not pretty.

Thankfully, speakers have gotten a major makeover: They’re slimmer, hipper, and have a serious case of wanderlust. They’re free to roam from room to room, adorning desktops, walls, shelves and bedside tables like beautiful objets, and they come in colorways to fit any room’s style.

Most wireless speakers work with Bluetooth technology, which connects your phone (and the music apps on it) to the speaker, allowing you to broadcast your favorite music somewhere between 15 and 30 feet away. Other speakers use WiFi (both speaker and mobile device connect to your home’s router), which has better range and better audio quality, but it can sometimes be a bit challenging to set up, and not all systems offer it as an option.

Either way, there are many beautiful options that makes these speakers a bona fide part of your room’s design story. Here are a few of my favorites:

Oree Pebble Speaker

1. Oree Pebble: The austere Oree pebble, available in walnut and white marble, looks like a minimal paperweight. It’s got a Bluetooth speaker inside, and can also wireless charge your smartphone. It would look fabulous in a minimal, modern space.

Clio Acrylic Bluetooth Speaker

2. Clio Bluetooth Speaker: If you’re lucky enough to have a bedroom with this ocean view, a speaker would junk it up, no matter how pretty it was! The Clio Bluetooth speaker uses a curved piece of clear acrylic to broadcast great sound while still letting the view shine through.

In 1947, a brand-new invention called the “microwave oven” was introduced commercially at a whopping price of $495 (that’s $3,500 today). By 1998, 88 percent of U.S. households owned what is now known simply as a “microwave.” Crazy, right?

Today, new innovative appliances are being created to make our daily lives more efficient and easier than ever before. Check out these five smart appliances for a glimpse into what our homes may look like in the very near future.

Do you have a mess of unsightly cords that live around your desk or side table? To combat this problem, Ikea has designed a line of floor, table and work lamps integrated with wireless charging pads to keep your smartphone juiced up at home and at work.

The line launches in Europe and North America next month and is compatible with any device that supports QiWireless technology. Unfortunately, iPhones are not on this list (bummer!), but adapters are available. The furniture also includes USB ports to charge other devices and are available with up to three charging pads for multiple phones.

Bonus: If you’ve bought a new piece of Ikea furniture within the last few years, the company is releasing a line of wireless chargers called Jyseen that can be integrated into existing Ikea pieces. Sign me up!

I love food holidays. I’m not talking about those cold-weather holidays where you gain 10 pounds in the course of a month. I’m talking about that random rainy Tuesday that gives us National Peach Cobbler Day, and that sunny Saturday that celebrates National Doughnut Day. Or, that very special day that I happily toast to every morning: National Coffee Day. (I love you, java.) In short, every day is a food holiday and I’m happy to celebrate them all (well, mostly the sweet ones).

Today, we’re honoring National Pancake Day with a trip around the world. Get your pan and spatula ready for these tasty breakfast treats.

North America: Buttermilk Pancakes

Photo and recipe from FoodNetwork.com

Classic American pancakes are best when they’re fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Keep them classic by topping with butter and drizzling with warm syrup. Or, take your pancakes to the next level by mixing in a variety of fresh fruit, chocolate chips, bacon, spices, nuts and more. Get the recipe at FoodNetwork.com >>

Venezuela: Corn Cakes With Cream or Cheese (Cachapas)

Photo and recipe from Food.com

Corn griddle cakes are popular in Venezuela and Colombia. They’re often served for breakfast with a topping of queso fresco. Get the recipe at Food.com >>

France: Blueberry-Lemon Crepes With Custard Sauce

Photo and recipe from FoodNetwork.com

Crepes are thin, delicate pancakes typically made from wheat or buckwheat flour. The beauty of crepes is that they can be filled and topped with anything you like. From sweet to savory, the possibilities are endless. And making them at home is easier than you think. This sweet breakfast or dessert crepe features a fruity filling with a custard “dipping” sauce. Get the recipe at FoodNetwork.com >>

To say I love peanut butter would be an understatement. My life motto might as well be “When life hands you a recipe, add peanut butter to it.” In honor of National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day, I share my favorite recipes (aside from the obvious peanut butter pie, of course) where this rich, creamy ingredient is the hero. You won’t be disappointed, fellow peanut butter lovers!

Another week is in the books and the weekend is finally here! *Cue ecstatic happy dance.* If you’re like us, then the weekend is a magical time when all the things piling up on that to-do list can finally get done. Last #HGTVWeekend, we cleaned out our fridges fast and whipped up some incredible yeasted waffles, all while binge-watching a Fixer Uppermarathon (aren’t Chip and Jo the cutest?).

Luckily, this weekend has the potential to be just as productive and we would love for you to tackle our new projects with us! When you’re finished, tag your photos #HGTVWeekend on Instagram and Twitter and we’ll share some of our favorites right here on Design Happens. And remember to check back every Friday for more fun to-dos!

Here’s what we’re getting into this weekend:

Make This: Bundt Pan Succulent Garden

Be honest: Are you really using that Bundt cake pan in the back of your cabinet? This fun project puts your old pan to good use while bringing some much needed plant life to your home. Follow the simple instructions below to plant a gorgeous succulent garden.

Have you heard about the dress that’s taking over the Internet? After members of a Scottish wedding party looked at one photo of the mother of the bride’s dress and saw two different color combinations — some saw blue and black, while others saw white and gold — a member of the wedding band posted a photo to Tumblr to get some clarity. The post took off, and the hundreds of thousands of viewers were just as confused: Is it blue and black or white and gold? You decide. (Here’s a great explainer from Wired.com about the science behind the color divide.)

Here at HGTV, we’re fans of bold color — period. So why choose one or the other? This dramatic living room celebrates all four colors.

Design by Reiner White Design Studio

With black and blue walls and white and gold accents, the dress is right at home here — no matter which color combo you see.

Design by Reiner White Design Studio

Flip through even more photos of this glamorous space — and learn how to create the look at home.

Entrepreneurs Jennifer Blumin and James Ramsey have a classic New York story to tell: they met in 2001 at a party at Studio 54. Jennifer is the CEO and founder of Skylight, a collection of luxury event spaces, and James is the principal of design firm RAAD and creator of The Lowline. Years later, the entrepreneur pair have used their skill sets — James’ architectural and creative eye and Jennifer’s ability to spot diamonds in the rough — to together create an impressive and one-of-a-kind home.

Jennifer and James, along with their two children, Phineas and Theodore, recently moved into a landmarked building on White Street in TriBeCa and soon began a full renovation of the space. Using a warm, netural palette and a modern-eclectic design scheme, the two created a space that feels both comfortable and luxurious.

Two Living Rooms in One:

Photo courtesy of James Ramsey

The first living room is situated just off the dining room and kitchen. This luxe living space is designed with an eye toward evening use with a functional, industrial feel.

Photo courtesy of James Ramsey

The main living space features a high-tech stereo credenza created by RAAD and industrial bookshelves showcasing objects collected from the couples’ world travels.

Photo courtesy of James Ramsey

The second living room is a low-slung lounge area connected to the first living space. It has the juxtaposition of Old World Hollywood (think: palm trees, teak daybeds). Both the pendant light from Workstead and the historic sign that Jennifer salvaged from a pre-reno Brooklyn bank offer an ode to the loft’s industrial heritage.

As I write this, we have a couple of inches of snow on the ground and the kiddos have been out of school for eight(!) days straight. There are some series cases of cabin fever going around these parts, and I’m trying my hardest not to catch it myself. How? A daily dose of hot home photography — doctor’s orders.

Today’s dose of warmth comes from Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects and their stunning renovation of a 1950s midcentury modern beach villa in Montecito, Calif. The master bedroom features a custom-made mahogany platform bed. Dave Mendro included access to a patio surrounded by tropical landscaping. And if the air gets a bit chilly at night, there’s a cozy fur throw to curl up with. Mahogany, tropical, fur — these are toasty-sounding words, my friends.

Design by Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects

A gas fireplace offers low-maintenance heating in the sleek, modern living room. I’m ready to get cozy in there with a book or maybe a House of Cards marathon.

Design by Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects

You know what’s good on a cold day? Soaking in a nice, warm bath complete with mineral salts and essential oils.

Design by Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects

Ahhhhh, don’t you feel warmer now?

How are YOU staying warm during these cold times? Share your tips in the comments below.

I’m probably not the only one out there that’s feeling the winter blues (This does not apply to you, California folks!). Unfortunately, the groundhog saw his shadow, so it looks like we have a little more than two weeks of winter left. Thankfully, there is one solution to bringing some sunshine to these gloomy days — a party! You don’t need an excuse like a birthday, the holidays or a summer barbecue to get your friends together. You can throw one just because it’s winter and you feel like it. Who’s with me? We’ve rounded up our favorite winter party essentials that will keep your guests happy, cozy and ready to party.

1. Decorate With This: Sweater Napkin Rings. Knits are an easy, festive way to add warmth to your party decor. If you have a sweater collecting dust in your closet, cut small sections from it and sew the ends together to make cute, upcycled napkin rings. If you know how to sew a button, then this craft will be a cinch. Get 15 more ways to decorate with an old sweater>>

2. Wear This: Glitter Hair Pins. My favorite way to fight the winter blues is through sparkle and color. Dress up your LBD with glitter hair pins. Slide bobby pins on a scrap piece of paper to keep them stable. Apply a thin line of craft glue on top of the pin, sprinkle a generous amount of glitter and allow to dry. You’ll want to plan a grand entrance while wearing this fab hair accessory.

3. Eat This: Greek Chili. Keep your guests happy by filling their bellies with comfort food. One of the easiest hearty meals to make is chili, and today just happens to be National Chili Day. This Greek version makes a big batch, so your guests can go back for seconds…or thirds. I’m not one to judge. Get the recipe here>>

4. Sip This: Winter Sunset Cocktail. The combination of coconut-flavored rum, white crème de cacao and coffee-flavored Jamaican rum will warm your guests right up. Go the extra mile by topping it off with warm whipped cream. Get the full recipe here>>

I’m not ashamed to admit that throughout my basset hound, Oliver’s, 13 years, I’ve happily paid for him to see an acupuncturist, animal communicator, massage therapist and yes, the dude even has his own dermatologist. True confessions: I’m far more diligent about Oliver’s skincare issues than I am my own.

Although I’m a dog mama, I’ve got a lot of love to spread around. So, I’ve rounded up some creative ideas for keeping your space both pet friendly and très chic.

1. Kitty Steps. If you’ve already mastered the gallery wall, I’m positive you can handle these kitty steps. Are they a cat toy? Are they shelves? You decide.

2. Wall-Mounted Fish Tanks. What an amazing way to teach the kiddos about life and how to take care of another living/breathing thing. Plus, it’s pretty cool wall decor.

3. Dog Hammock. If there was an Olympic competition for dog shedding, my dog would be an international gold medal champion. Ditto for drooling. Needless to say, this DIY hammock is a great way to keep all that business out of your car — for good.

5. Fluffy Rugs. This might seem like a no-brainer, but you can use a stylish rug or pelt specifically as a pet bed — especially if it’s a fluffy number. Small rugs are easy to move around and often look a lot more chic than the average pet bed.

6. Gumball Machine Fish Tank. Here’s a great way to get your kids to give up candy forever: put a fish in their gumball machine!

7. Leather Chew Toy: This leather chew toy for birds is so swank. I would probably sneak into my bird’s cage in the middle of the night and steal it. It would also be super easy to do a DIY version of this with some leather scraps if you’re feeling crafty.

Did you see my coworkers’ nightstands yesterday? Talk about eye candy! I love getting a peek into people’s homes. And it was PERFECT timing for me, because it just so happens that my video this week is all about my own nightstand makeover.

This week on the HGTV Handmade YouTube channel (you ARE subscribed, right?), we are all participating in a thrift store challenge. Adding to the challenge was the ice storm that hit our area—I’ve been stuck on our hill for over a week! Luckily I had the perfect entry for our challenge already in my garage: A beat-up piece of mid-century office furniture that I planned to spruce up with chalk paint and gold leaf. Watch the video to see how I did it.

I’ve used it for a couple of projects, but I’m still just as smitten with chalk paint! Not having to sand or prime is such a time saver, and the finish with a couple of coats of wax is lovely. I also can’t get over the difference a little Rub & Buff made on the handles and legs! It’s like a brand new piece, and it makes the perfect nightstand. I added a Jonathan Adler tray to corral my must-haves, a vase with the first Lenten Roses of spring, my favorite books and a delicious smelling candle. Perfect.

The Finished Navy-and-Gold Nightstand

What thrift store scores have you made recently? Tune in to HGTV Handmade every day this week to see what my partners in crime make with their thrift store finds.

You’re unique, so shouldn’t your bathroom be unique, too? With infinite color and style options, tile is a fun way to add interest and appeal. Get inspired by these six creatively tiled bathrooms and say buh-bye to that boring, old water closet.

Create a Theme

Design by Roshele Allison & Eric Gedney | Photo by Sam VanFleet

This ocean-inspired powder room designed by Roshele Allison and Eric Gedney is the coolest. Aquatic patterned tile flows from ceiling to floor, mimicking cascading water. When the blue glass countertop lights up, bright hints of blue are highlighted in the tile to make the effect even more striking. It’s like a bathroom aquarium!

Less is More

Design by Sandra & Scott Gjesdahl | Photo by A-Medley Photography

This Asian-inspired bath is as zen as it gets. To maintain an open feel, designers Sandra and Scott Gjesdahl installed a textured glass-tiled plumbing chase in lieu of a dividing wall. And the floor tiles? They’re heated!

As most of the U.S. can attest, this winter has packed a wallop — and not just in the Northeast. Here at HGTV Headquarters in relatively balmy Knoxville, Tenn., we’re experiencing record low temperatures and plenty of ice and snow. Brrrr….!

You may only comment once to be considered, and you don’t have to purchase anything to win; a purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Odds depend on total number of entries. Void where prohibited by law. Only open to legal residents of 50 U.S., D.C. or Puerto Rico, and you must be at least 18 years of age to win. All entries (comments) must be entered between 10:00 a.m. ET on February 25, 2015 and 12:00 p.m. ET on February 26, 2015. Subject to full official rules. By leaving a comment on the blog, you acknowledge your acceptance to the Official Rules. ARV of prize: $55. Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC, d/b/a HGTV, 9721 Sherrill Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37932.

It’s true that all of us here at HGTV and Design Happens have a certain degree of love for pretty interiors. Working with a group of super-creative people is so fun, because we’re constantly inspired by each other’s individual styles and tastes when it comes to decorating. We thought we would throw back the curtain and give you a little peek inside our homes to get a glimpse of how we HGTV-ify our spaces.

Here’s the first round of show-and-tell. Our editors shared a photo of an object in our bedrooms that can tell you a lot about a person: our nightstands.

I’m prone to knocking things off my nightstand when I clumsily hit the snooze button each morning, so I keep it simple. I painted the small dish at a local pottery studio, and it’s great for corralling lotions and other bedside essentials. I’m very sensitive to light while I’m sleeping, so I always keep the mask handy. I had it custom made by Rue Violet because most sleep masks are a tad snug for me (and because they come in such cute patterns).

All of Shannon’s must-haves for a good night’s sleep are easily reached.

Back in grade school, my parents bought me a bedroom suite. You know, the whole matching set – two dressers, nightstand, mirror, headboard. Well, I got half of the pieces up to my tiny loft and all of a sudden it looked like a furniture showroom. I immediately got out the chalk paint and went to town. My next little project: finding the perfect knobs.

If you diligently entered the HGTV Dream Home 2015 Giveaway twice a day for your chance to win our Martha’s Vineyard getaway, you know that the entry period wrapped up last week. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that a Design Happens reader snags the grand prize, but even if you don’t win, you can still incorporate the home’s updated coastal style in your home. Inspired by the guest bedroom, we went shopping for products that offer nautical flair with a modern twist. Here’s our formula for recreating this look:

When we asked which color you loved for February — Tangerine or Flamingo — it was a close battle. Some of you loved tangerine’s vibrance and retro quality, like blog reader flowergirlcraft: “Tangerine….lets bring back the 60′s . Looks like retro is in,” she says. But others were equally smitten with flamingo: “It’s a nice combination of orange and pink blended together that gives a bold statement, but it’s soft enough to stand on its own,” says blog reader Butterfly45. And some of you even thought they looked great together. (We agree…just look at this living room!)

Image Courtesy Society Social

Here’s the final tally:

In honor of Tangerine’s win, here are some surprising new ways to use the color — for this month and beyond.

After being iced indoors most of last week, all I can think about is being somewhere warm. No, HOT. I want sand between my toes and condensation on the glass of a tropical drink. Speaking of which, today is National Margarita Day! It may be frigid out, but I’m not passing up a frozen concoction (that helps me hang on).

How are you celebrating National Margarita Day? With an ice-cold margarita … indoors … sheltered from the snow? Or maybe you’ll be hanging from a hammock somewhere warm with a bevvy in hand? Tell us below!